Forgotten Treasure: Saul Williams “Elohim (1972)”
In 1998, Ninja Tune, an independent UK record label, released the Elohim (1972) EP, debut release of poet, actor & MC, Saul Williams. Whilst heard from time to time in the years since, Twice the First Time, its standout track, has always seemed massively slept on. On Twice the First Time, …
Exclusive Premiere: The Mixtapers “We So Good” (Inkswel Remixes)
via Sonar Kollektiv: Whilst spending a few years busy in the studio and playing underground clubs in Berlin, Inkswel hooked up with Jurgen and the Jazzanova crew at Sonar Kollektiv. They ate spaghetti at a local Italian restaurant and discussed their love for all things music, fast forward a few …
Future Classic: NxWorries “Yes Lawd!” (Stones Throw)
Isn’t it great when a highly anticipated album delivers on the hype it created! NxWorries, the collabo between modern day JB Anderson.Paak and hazy producer Knxledge, had the world going crazy with the Suede/LinkUp 12″ and their aptly titled debut album Yes Lawd! makes me want to scream just that. It …
Future Classic: IAMNOBODI “Imani (Jakarta Dubplate #9)”
The keys to the soul. Slow jams for the whip, at night, when you just need a drive. Big, warm, hugging bass, some beautiful chords, shaker and arp flourishes, soulful saxophone loops. It’s just what one needs to take their mind off of things even if only for a little …
Future Classic: Complex Movements ” Beware of the Dandelions: Soundtrack”
The Beware of the Dandelions soundtrack immerses the listener in the story and sounds of the Beware of the Dandelions project. The music combines experimental approaches and elements of hip-hop, Detroit techno, house, and classical genres. The soundtrack highlights the musical evolution of Waajeed and Invincible/ill Weaver of Complex Movements, …
Future Classic: Reginald Omas Mamode IV “Reginald Omas Mamode IV”
London talent Reginald Omas Mamode IV delivers a wonderful self-titled full length that pays as much tribute to his heritage as it does to a futuristic vision of soul music. Blending hand claps, organic drum patterns, and funky-as-you-like synth lines with Mamode IV’s by now instantly recognizable voice; the album …
Future Classic: Lewis Parker “Release The Stress 12″ (King Underground Recordings)”
Lewis Parker stays deep in the pocket on his latest release with England based label King Underground. Hip-Hop is the type of music where, when listening you can instantly tell whether or not an artist lives, sweats and breathes it or is simply just dipping their toes into the infinitely …
Future Classic: I, CED “What Are We Looking For?”
If deep soulful, hip-hop inspired jams are what you are looking for, look no further. The St. Louis producer/musician (now living in LA), I, CED releases his first project in 5 years. After working behind-the-scenes with artists like Dâm-Funk, Shafiq Husayn (SA-RA), Shuggie Otis and Run The Jewels, I, CED’s latest …
Future Classic: Tay Sean “Leavings”
Seattle’s own Tay Sean takes hip-hop, dare we say music, to a whole new level with his latest release. Who knew rap music could bang so hard in a 7/8 time signature? Who is to say this is even “rap music” any longer? What is it? It’s something new, something …
Future Classic: Mark de Clive-Lowe “#bluenoteremixed volume 1”
Armed with a crateful of classics from Blue Note Records’ genre-defining years, Mark de Clive-Lowe has created a live-remix mixtape weaving from jazz to hip hop classics, to underground house and broken beat. Equal parts jazz musician, composer, DJ and production wizard, MdCL’s live performances are always a treat as …
Future Classic: Dabrye “Lump Sum Slum Lord Remix”
Dabrye steps out of the shadows to release a remix of Mophono’s “Lump Sum Slum Lord”. Dabrye has been a favourite of mine for quite some time. Hailing from Ann Arbor, Michigan, the man keeps himself extremely hard to pin down, using a large number of styles and aliases. Most …
Future Classic: Mndsgn “Body Wash”
I used to see Mndsgn as just another really talented producer who made dope beats. Following a few plays of Stones Throw released album ‘Body Wash’ it has become undeniable that he has reached a whole new level. ‘The underlying vibe of the new Mndsgn album is positive, with the core themes being about …